Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-07-07
Gov. BOdwelps Speech at Canton

|
Governor Bodwells speech on the Fourth,
at the temperance celebration at Canton, is a
direct and emphatic statement of the determi
nation of the government to root out and de-
stroy the dram shops in our State. That the
position which he outlined is approved by all
friends of temperance cannot be denied and
especially were those who heard him pleased
with his course if we NAV be allowed to judge
by the ringing applause that was frequently
accorded him. He said:
FELLOW Cit,zens-I am gratified to join with
you in concentrating the birth of our ma
tional indepe ndence. 1t is certainly a good
way to celebrate this day, by commanding
and aiding whatever cause tends to the public
welfare, and to the preservation of the valu-
able interests which government was created
| to maintain.
| The temperance reform is ore of the living
issues of the present time which deeply in
v0lve the best interests of society, of home
and the family, all of which are of funda
mental Importance to the future of the State
and nation.
Temperance has gained such hold in the
estimation of all good citizens that few dare
to question its truth and Importance. But as
to the best means of promoting this great re-
form there is less unanimity.
To diminish and destroy the liquor traffic
is a necessity in the opinion of all thoughtful
and patriotic citizens. Hence the people of
Maine, after long experience, are resolved to
adhere to prohibition, which, in spite of all
obstacles, is working well and has already
accomplished great good to the State.
The law as it now stands may not be per
feet, but its stringent and just provisions,
including the recent amendments, are better
than any ether legal methods vet devised to
stamp out the liquor traffic.
The cider clause, on hasty examination,
NAV seem to some q little severe. But a
careful reading of these clauses shows that
cider is prohibited tor tipping purposes only.
| | am confident that none OF our farmers wish
| to spare cider drunkenness, or are willing
that the product of the apple shall be used
as a cover to base the poisonous alcoholic
preparations For domestic purposes for all
legitimate uses, the manufacture and sale of
our orchard products are unmolested bv law
The vigor with which the law had been en-
forced recently among us has caused the con
vcted liquor sellers to resort to the expe-
dent of getting in the original imported
packages. They HAYS entered into con-
spiracy TO break down prohibition by bold
/ ID
Supreme Court made over forty years ago.
An examination of that decision plainly
shows that it does not touch our prohibtory
| law. II does decide that the State shall not
enforce tax on imported liquors in addition
| to the u. s. tax, but givesa plain implication
that the State may prohibit the sale of what
is destructive of the public welfare.
Until the United States Court shall decide
against any provisions or operations of our
prohibitory law, (Which believe it never will
decide it will be our duty to enforce pro.
hibition against both domestic and imported
liquors with vlgor and impartaity. | am
sure the American government of the peo-
pie. for the people, will never discriminate
in favor of a foreign article. 1t is absurd to
suppose that the government itself is to be
used as a fortress of attack against the most
valuable interests of the people themselves.
If the United States customs laws or
regulations need amendments that our
State laws and regulations regarding a
criminal and destructive evil shall not be i'm
peded, Congress can easily apply the remedy
And 10 take away all encouragement and
hope from the disorderly persons who are
conspiring to break our laws and spread
broadcast a prolific source of crime. misery
and poverty, is may be well to ask Congress
promptly so to amend our customs laws and
regulations tuht sue uhse men SHALL uot nave q
shadow of excuse for their criminal efforts
in law breaking.
In the meantime and at once let our law
be faithfully executed against all classes of
alcoholic liquors without fear or favor.
Elected by your suffrages to the place now
occupy, the obligations OF my oath and good
faith to you require me to faithfully enforce
the laws. This intend to do, calmly, firmly,
and with whatever vigor l can command. To
this end invite the cooperation OF my fellow
citizens. irrespective of party.
The people should aid and encourage the
officers of the law in performance of their
duty. Without this hearty cooperation of
our citizens it is very difficult for the officers
of the law to be successful in their efforts.
Let State, county and municipal officers
fearlessly do their duty, aided by our law
loving citizens, and effective work can be
done in stamping out q monster evil, and
make it difficult for the guilty to escape In
all Just and practicable efforts to promote the
progress of temperance, you shall have my
earnest assistance, and l hope the work of
educating the young in the public schools IN
temperance principles will be pushed with
vigor and fidelity. AS your official servant
I trust you will always know where to find
me-"